New York City's Most Iconic Foods—and Where to Get Them | Condé Nast Traveler

"“Old reliable,” “OG,” and “classic” are all appropriate classifications for iconic Levain Bakery cookies. Real New Yorkers will tell you how they remember when Levain had a single location on the Upper West Side with lines around the block, and how those lines were worth waiting in for that consistently decadent, famously crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside chocolate chip walnut (their original, but still can’t-miss, flavor). The oatmeal raisin cookie is an underrated favorite among cookie lovers, as well. Levain now has 14 bakeries across the country (with new ones frequently popping up) and also offers nationwide shipping. If you’re in need of the quickest, easiest, and most thoughtful birthday gift in a pinch, a box of six of these hefty treats will always fit the bill." - Kat Chen